The Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) held its monthly meeting on Thursday, June 11, 2026. The meeting was hybrid with in-person accessibility at 160 N. LaSalle St., 5th Floor Auditorium and via livestream. Board members present at this meeting were Chair Hayden, Member Brannon and Member Melamed. The meeting began with the approval of the minutes of the regular Board meeting that preceded it on April 23, 2026.

Board Member Comments

There were no Board Member comments.

Administrator’s Report

The Administrator briefly discussed a number of important topics during his report. It appears that this summer season will be a busy time.

First, the Administrator discussed the implications on the gaming industry of the new omnibus budget bill awaiting Gov. Pritzker’s signature. Once signed, the gaming provisions in the bill will take effect immediately. Among other things, it will allow the Chicago and Waukegan temporary casinos to extend their temporary operations and it will amend the Sports Wagering Act 1) to create fantasy wager regulations and licensing, including a large operator license and a small operator license, 2) eliminate the competitive bid process for online only master sports wagering (OOMSW) licenses, 3) eliminate the cap on the number of licenses issued to OOMSW applicants, and 4) decrease the license fee for OOMSW from $20 million to $15 million.

The Administrator then provided an update regarding responsible gaming, stating that the IGB has hired researchers and experts to review and improve the programs currently in place, including looking into expanding the self-exclusion lists to sports wagering and video gaming.

The Administrator also discussed a highly anticipated topic: the licensing of Chicago video gaming terminal (VGT) locations. He noted that while IGB was beginning to issue licenses to Chicago locations at this meeting, both locations and terminal operators must comply with all local laws and regulations before a location can offer live VGTs.

The Administrator also reminded terminal operators, and proposed sales agents who have previously been disclosed to the IGB through an Exhibit 8(D) submission, of the Aug. 17, 2026, deadline for sales agents to file the required sales agent application. The Administrator pointed out that the applications can be found on the IGB’s website and encouraged terminal operators to submit employee applications in bulk to further assist the IGB in their review and processing.

Next, the Administrator mentioned that they will be releasing more information and instructions pertaining to nongaming casino employees from now until mid-July. Interested parties should keep an eye out on those communications.

Finally, seemingly related to the licensing of Chicago locations, the Administrator reminded licensed locations and terminal operators to refamiliarize themselves with the IGB’s Jan. 13, 2026 memorandum, which outlines the terminal operator-provided security measures permitted and prohibited under Rule 350(b)(3): IGB Memorandum on Terminal Operator Provided Security Measures Under Video Gaming Rule 350(b)(3) (2026.01.13). In his discussion, the Administrator stated that the IGB takes burglaries very seriously and does what it can to support local law enforcement and charging agencies. He also stated that it encourages proactive measures as deterrents and encouraged location and terminal operators to utilize all security measures available to deter the burglary of locations and VGTs. He encouraged anyone with ideas or questions about security measures that can be implemented at locations to reach out to IGB legal staff at IGB.Legal@illinois.gov.

The Administrator also provided the industry revenue numbers. During this time, the Administrator stated that in May, and according to delegation previously approved, the IGB issued new licenses to 70 locations, 22 terminal handlers and 1 sales agent and renewed the licenses of 399 locations and 79 terminal handlers.

Currently there are 8,724 licensed locations with 49,647 VGTs. In April, these machines generated Net Terminal Income tax of over $88 million for the state and $14 million for local host communities. In May, Illinois casinos had a total adjusted gross revenue (AGR), of $192 million, which resulted in $37 million for the state and $11 million for local host communities. March also was a successful month in sports wagering with the completed handle yielding $44 million in state taxes, $1.3 million in taxes for Cook County and $10 million in state wagering tax.

In total, from January through May of 2026 (with certain reporting restrictions), the combined industries of video gaming, sports wagering, and casino generated approximately $647 million in state taxes and $111 million in taxes for local communities.

The Administrator closed by reminding participants who intend to gamble on the upcoming World Cup to do so responsibly with licensed providers and to stay within their personal limits. Go USA!

Public Commentary

Kathy Gilroy addressed the Board to voice concerns over illegal gambling machines at arcades geared towards children. The Administrator encouraged her to use the IGB’s online confidential reporting portal to report any violations of prohibited conduct. As a reminder, this portal can be found here Report Prohibited Conduct and submissions can be made anonymously.

Casino

The casino portion of this meeting began with the Board hearing the initial consideration of HC Joliet, LLC d/b/a Hollywood Casino Joliet. No Board action required at this time.

Next, the Administrator again briefly mentioned the budget bill and its likely impact on the temporary casinos in Chicago and Waukegan. He stated that, in anticipation of the signing of the bill, Bally’s Chicago Operating Company, LLC d/b/a Bally’s Chicago (Bally’s Chicago) and FHR-Illinois LLC d/b/a American Place Casino (American Place) had discussions with IGB regarding filing requests to extend operations. The Board then heard their respective requests for waiver of the two-meeting rule and to extend operations at their temporary casino facilities and granted the requests, contingent upon the bill being signed by Gov. Pritzker.

The Board next approved the renewals of the suppliers’ licenses and found relevant key persons suitable for 1) Novomatic Americas Sales LLC and 2) VICI Properties 1 LLC.

Additionally, the Board approved 213 initial casino occupational level 2 licenses and the Administrator issued renewals to all occupational licenses that were up for renewal and had provided updated information, timely paid their renewal fees and complied with all other requirements.

Sports Wagering

The sports wagering portion of the meeting commenced with the Board renewing the Supplier Licensee of Novomatic Americas Sales LLC.

Thereafter, the Board approved 211 initial casino occupational level 2 licenses. The Administrator then issued renewals to all occupational licensees that were up for renewal and had provided updated information, timely paid their renewal fees and complied with all other requirements.

Video Gaming

The video gaming portion of the meeting opened with the Board issuing manufacturer, distributor and supplier license renewals to MobileMoney Inc. and Novomatic Americas Sales LLC.

The meeting continued with the Board granting an initial terminal operator license to Skyline Gaming Ventures Holdings LLC and renewing the licenses of the following terminal operators:

• Lakeview Gaming, LLC.
• G3 Gaming, LLC.
• Hyperactive Gaming, LLC.
• Illinois Gaming Investors LLC d/b/a Prairie State Gaming, LLC.
• Arktyk Gaming Solutions LLC.
• Diversity Gaming Solutions, LLC.
• Lucky Street Gaming LLC.
• Winners Depot, LLC.

Thereafter, 51 location applications were approved and the Board issued a notice of denial to Foreningen Lyran, Inc. d/b/a Lyran Singing Society.

The Administrator also renewed the terminal handler, technician and location licensees that were up for renewal and provided updated information to the IGB, timely paid their renewal fees and complied with all other requirements.

The meeting concluded with the Board tabling the discussion of 23 GB 002 In re: the Revocation of #171001064 Statewide Investments LLC d/b/a Little Nashville and #171001065.

The next meeting will be held on August 20, 2026. Have a wonderful summer!